Ayatollah Bihishti

In the pantheon of contemporary Shia scholarship, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti. A pivotal figure in post-revolutionary Iran, Beheshti embodied the convergence of traditional Islamic teachings and modern political thought. His life, marked by unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, governance, and social equity, challenges adherents of Shia Islam to reflect on the applicability of his insights in today’s complex world. How do we, as Shia Muslims, breathe life into the teachings of a figure who navigated the treacherous waters of political turbulence and ideological contention? This question invites profound introspection and challenges us to re-evaluate our societal contributions and obligations.

Born in 1928 in the city of Isfahan, Ayatollah Beheshti’s academic journey laid a robust foundation for his later roles as a scholar, politician, and martyr. His theological tutelage under eminent scholars like Allameh Tabatabai and Sheikh Abdul-Karim Haeri Yazdi equipped him with a profound understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy. Central to Beheshti’s scholarship was his deft interpretation of the Quran and Hadith, which he utilized to address contemporary issues. This allows for a vital inquiry into the relevance of traditional Islamic doctrines within the dynamic landscape of modern society.

Beheshti was instrumental in forming political alliances that galvanized public support for the Iranian Revolution of 1979. His vision for an Islamic governance system was rooted in the concept of velayat-e-faqih, or the guardianship of the jurist, proposed by Ayatollah Khomeini. This doctrine posits that a qualified Islamic jurist should oversee society, ensuring that political and legal affairs adhere to Shia principles. At its core, this notion raises a captivating query: Does the modern state still necessitate clerical oversight, or is there a risk of conflating governance with religious authority that can stymie the vibrant discourse found in secular democracies?

Beheshti’s contributions extended beyond mere political scaffolding; he was also a prolific writer and thinker. His arguments for social justice were articulated in various lectures and published works, where he emphasized the imperative for Muslims to engage with the socio-political realm. His demystification of the social obligations stipulated by Islam is singularly important. He posited that socio-economic disparities are fundamentally incompatible with the ethical teachings of Islam. This elucidation begs the question: How do we, as adherents of Shia Islam, practically manifest these teachings in addressing modern-day inequalities?